INDOOR AIR QUALITY
Contents
of this page are the Copyright of and reproduced with the
permission
of:
Criterium
Yingst Engineers
421 W. Chocolate Ave., Hershey, PA 17033
1-800-231-3346
INDOOR AIR QUALITY: "IAQ" - how significant is it and
should you be concerned? Perhaps more
importantly, what can anyone do about it?
Unfortunately, the air in our homes is some of the dirtiest
we breathe, even dirtier than that found along many of our
highways. There are many reasons - pets, fabrics that retain
dust and debris, plants (a source of pollen) and casual house
cleaning, among others. So you probably should be
concerned, especially if you or someone in your family or your
client's family has asthma, allergies or other respiratory
sensitivities.
Air
pollutants can be particulate matter (dust), odors, gases,
smoke, viruses or house-dust mites, among others. Chemical or
biological contaminants can also be a concern. Some sources are
airborne; some are not. Control is difficult, and in some
cases, it is impossible or impractical.
Air
filtration is one way to improve indoor air quality.
Various types of freestanding air filters are enjoying great
popularity as many people have decided that they are the answer
to improving the air quality in their homes (and cars). But
are they the answer? And are they worth the investment?
Let's
review the basics of air filtration.
First,
there are basically two types: central or local
filtration. A central system that filters virtually all of the
air in your home is generally more effective than a local or
freestanding unit. The ability to affect most or all of the air
in your home is much higher. Central filtration systems are
more effective but also more expensive to install. Such systems
are also limited to homes with central heat and/or air
conditioning, since a duct system to circulate the air is
needed. Most warm air heating systems do include some central
filtration. The filters need to be replaced frequently, and the
ductwork should be cleaned regularly for optimum performance. A
freestanding unit can affect only a small local volume of air,
which will then mix with the other air in your home.
Second, there are two primary methods of filtration. You can
clean the air either mechanically, by filters that trap
particles, or electronically, by systems that attract particles
on electrically charged plates.
Mechanical filtration results vary according to the quality and
condition of the filter. The most effective are HEPA (high
efficiency particulate arrestant) filters. They are also the
most expensive. All filters need to be replaced on a regular
basis to maintain optimum air cleaning effectiveness.
The
effectiveness of electronic filtration depends upon the quality
of the unit, as well as the volume of air it can process, and
proper maintenance. Some electronic units produce ozone,
which is considered by many experts to be an air pollutant that
can cause respiratory problems.
Even
the best air cleaning devices cannot ensure good air quality.
They will not affect pollutants such as gases or viruses. They
will have only limited effect on airborne particulate matter,
depending upon the quality of the filter and how well it is
maintained. They will not affect dust mites or similar material
that is not airborne..
So,
should you or your client buy or install an air filtration
system? If someone in the family suffers from asthma or
allergies, the answer may be yes. But realize that you will not
be producing pure, contaminant-free air, only improving it. If
no one is suffering from asthma or allergies or if you just want
to take a more practical approach to improving the air quality
in your home, the following list includes some things you can do
that don't involve buying and maintaining new, often expensive
appliances or equipment.
-
Don't smoke in the house.
-
Maintain good ventilation - some outside air is important to
maintain good air quality.
-
Be sure that cooking equipment is well vented to the outside &
use those fans.
-
Be sure that bathrooms have exhaust fans that vent to the
outside, & use them.
-
Don't burn candles, incense or anything in the home -
combustion produces contaminants.
-
Don't use a wood stove, fireplace or space heater.
-
Be a good housekeeper - vacuum and dust regularly and
thoroughly
-
Have your carpets professionally cleaned at least every other
year.
-
With warm air heat, have the equipment serviced regularly &
change the filters frequently.
-
Clean the ductwork for heating, air conditioning & exhaust
fans at least once every 3 years.
In
summary, the air in our homes is dirty. And, if that is
important to you, there is a lot you can do before spending
money on a new device that probably will not live up to the
manufacturer's claims.
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